Red hot poker Kniphofia uvaria
Red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Asphodelaceae family, native to Moist grassland of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, South Africa. It grows 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) tall and 60–90 cm (24–35 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Red hot poker in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Red hot poker at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Moist grassland of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Red hot poker toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Toxicity is not well documented; not listed as a significant poison by the ASPCA or RHS.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Red hot poker
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Red hot poker in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (6 plants)
- The Butchart Gardens (6 plants)
Questions about Red hot poker
- How far apart should I plant Red hot poker?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60–90 cm (24–35 in).
- Does Red hot poker need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Red hot poker need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Red hot poker?
- It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Red hot poker flower?
- From about July for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Red hot poker poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Toxicity is not well documented; not listed as a significant poison by the ASPCA or RHS.
- What grows well with Red hot poker?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Red hot poker. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Needs good drainage in winter; leaf tips may brown in hard frost.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Daylily Hemerocallis fulva
- Aloe vera Aloe vera
- New Zealand flax Phormium tenax
- Quiver tree (kokerboom) Aloidendron dichotomum
- Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) Aloe ferox
- Grass tree (balga) Xanthorrhoea preissii
- Blue flax lily (paroo lily) Dianella caerulea
- Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe) Aloe arborescens